Warrin’ over Warren
Published December 19th, 2008So Barack Obama has chosen Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren to deliver the Inaugural Invocation. Almost immediately cries of protest went up among some of Obama’s most fervent suporters in some of the most Pro-Obama areas of the country. I’ve been saying this all along - Obama is not a radical political messiah, he’s just another politician. He might be a good, a great one - but he still is one. I support him, but I hold no delusions about this. He has chosen Warren to speak for a couple reasons. First, he was invited by Warren to speak twice at Saddleback and talk to a group of people who might otherwise never have heard him. He is thanking Warren for the respect shown to him. It’s a political tip of the hat. And you know what? I’m OK with that. It’s how politicking works, for better or worse. Obama is also acknowledging a part of the country who, by and large, did not vote for him. This fact prompts me to take direct issue with some of Kathryn Kolbert’s commentary on the Warren selection:
Rick Warren gets plenty of attention through his books and media appearances and has every right to promote his religious views. But he doesn’t need or deserve a position of honor at the inauguration of a president who has given hope to so many Americans by rejecting the politics of division and emphasizing his commitment to constitutional values.
I’m sorry, but the fact that Obama is acknowledging someone who adamantly disagrees with him shows just how strongly he is rejecting the politics of division. He is saying, “I understand that there are a large number of Americans who agree with this man - I disagree with you and him, but I know you are there - let us find some common ground.” That is politics of inclusion. Warren’s are politics of division - I have no doubt in that - but that doesn’t mean he should be rejected wholly given his large following. The large following and high profile of Warren is why this move is a smart one and should not be compared to choosing say, David Duke.This is a chance for Obama to take the high road and he has done so. And the crowd that is so upset over this should remember that Obama has not renounced any of the things he disagrees with Warren over. This isn’t about that.
Those on the left, we should also remember that there is room for common ground with those who think like Warren and we should not be afraid to join with them on those issues. For example, Warren is on board with fighting Global Warming, something that is uncommon for the far right and religious evangelical community. That’s common ground right there - and that’s an example of speaking to a group from within their frame of reference. I don’t believe we should save the earth for the same reasons they might - but I do believe we should save the earth. Let’s not argue over why, let’s just do it. Other issues that Obama could benefit from Warren’s supporters would be AIDS and poverty.
I am no way defending Rick Warren here. I am not fond of him. There are those who speak against him with little respect, as does Christopher Hitchens, as well as those who dissent with respect, like Dan Dennett. I’m probably somewhere in between the attitudes of these two men. And I’m not crazy about him speaking so prominently, because I disagree with him. But I will not condemn nor will I protest Obama for the selection. It’s politically shrewd - and Obama is proving to be a shrewd politician. Those on the left have been shut out of most major decisions for 8 years now - and look what happened? The right has suffered a backlash of nearly epic proportions because of their political divisiveness. They have shrunk their support base. They have alienated too many. The left, now that it has a unified front in Congress and in the White House, would do well to note this lesson. The more people we include and talk to and treat with respect, the longer we may hold power. And I think Obama knows that. I hope it works out well.
i think it is a clever idea as well! i saw more power to obama. it is showing the left that he is not always going to be towing the party line.
jennifer juniper
You know, now that I think about it, you’re right. It is a good ploy. Some of Obama’s first acts as President are going to be major steps backwards, and Warren should have declined, considering some of his political views. Leave it to a religious person to try to posture as an aloof philosopher-king instead of taking sides.